Greece and North Macedonia have had a tumultuous relationship since the dissolution of the Soviet Union. The dispute around the word “Macedonia” has hindered the two neighboring nations from reaching consensus on divisive issues and establishing a robust framework for meaningful cooperation. While administrative and linguistic barriers typically pose significant challenges in such circumstances, it is evident that the primary obstacles in the case of Greece and North Macedonia extend beyond these realms. The enduring political tensions, often fueled by narratives of cultural appropriation and territorial claims have created a climate of mistrust and discord.

This article aims to shed light on an issue I have been involved in this past year: fostering cooperation between the youth of the two countries. It has come to my attention since getting in touch with a remarkable initiative originating from North Macedonia that has been active for years in resolving this issue, named Cooperation for Common Future (C4CF). With the establishment of partnerships with Greek organizations, in 2010, youth organizations from North Macedonia and Greece initiated "Contacts for the Common Future", a project to explore cooperation possibilities between the civil societies, particularly youth populations, of North Macedonia and Greece. In 2014, the focus shifted to youth empowerment and employment, addressing the common issue of youth unemployment in both countries. The signing of the Prespa Agreement in June 2018 created new opportunities and challenges, but with strategic advocacy actions, C4CF pushed for youth cooperation and the establishment of bilateral youth cooperation offices, culminating in an agreement with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of North Macedonia. 

C4CF continues to pursue its goal by gathering support from its local partners in both countries, from embassies and the government. Notably, the initiative has seen a surge in interest, with over 1500 individuals engaged in 2023, along with the involvement of over 100 stakeholders and the conduction of more than 30 activities. Young people should not be unduly influenced by political dynamics; they should instead be empowered to forge meaningful relationships and partnerships for a brighter collective future. And such a future cannot become reality, when in cross-border regions, borders become walls. 

Efforts are underway to promote this shared cause, with young participants actively contributing to expanding the project's horizons and enriching its activities and scope. Counterproductive perceptions that dominate public discourse must be altered, especially with a focus on younger generations, with earnest and substantial support of institutions, alongside the efforts of civil society. This could be achieved through schools and universities, especially state-owned ones, by integrating initiatives aimed at fostering Greek-North Macedonian student relations through exchanges, cultural activities, language courses, and dual-degree programs in relevant fields. Universities or civil society organizations can also be supported through funding programmes like Interreg IPA Programme “Greece - North Macedonia”, which already attracts a great number of applications that by far surpasses its total allowance. The bigger picture of such initiatives is for the youth of both countries to realize that they have willing, well-meaning and capable partners across the border. This sets the stage for tackling technical challenges in the future and nurturing a vibrant environment of cross-border youth cooperation in the region.